In this article, we will list the top cybersecurity degree programs that will help you build a successful career in fighting cybercrime.
Why Cybercrime Careers Are in High Demand
Here’s the scoop: the cyber threat landscape in 2025 is going to get even more intense, with attacks like ransomware, social engineering, and AI-driven cybercrime staying at the top of the list. In 2024, data breaches were again off the charts, with over 3,100 data compromises tracked. The crazy part? Victim notices surged by 211%, primarily due to five mega-breaches.
Here are some of the cybersecurity issues leaders are expecting this year:
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- Regulatory Problems. 76% of CISOs report difficulties arising from different regions’ disparate cybersecurity requirements, even though such requirements are critical for defense against diminutive threats.
- Geopolitical Issues. Espionage and operational interference concerns have impacted 60% of companies, which say political conflicts have latently affected their cybersecurity strategies and execution.
- AI Risks. AI has become an important asset in maintaining cybersecurity. However, many companies still lack the appropriate processes to evaluate the security risks posed by AI, which consequently creates additional risks.
- Generative AI and Cyber Delinquency. 75% of respondents stated that the organization’s cyber risk profile has increased due to sophisticated generative AI social engineering and ransomware attacks. Furthermore, phishing attempts increased by 42%.
- Lack of Cyber Talent. Finding qualified professionals with the right education is still very challenging when dealing with the ever-growing cybercrime problem. The skills gap increased by 8% in 2024, and two out of three businesses suffered shortfalls in capabilities and competence. A mere 14% of organizations marked as competent are confident in the abilities of their personnel.
Cybercriminals continue to evolve with the technology, adopting more recent techniques and strategies. The good news is that the need to combat these dangers as efficiently as possible means the demand for cybersecurity professionals is still rising.
Although there are several ways to become a cybersecurity professional, they all involve some form of education, professional training, and practical experience or training. Yes, there are some self-trained hackers, but employers would prefer someone with a solid foundation of knowledge and the right skill set.
That’s where the best degrees for cybercrime careers come in. The right degree will provide you with the theoretical and technical background to understand the nitty-gritty of cybercrime in the world today.
Cybersecurity degree training ranges from basic computer networking to advanced encryption techniques. They also provide hands-on experience that you can apply in the real world. The type of training you receive from a cybersecurity degree will make you a more effective employee, preparing you with the tools to handle the challenges of fending off cybercrime.
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Cybersecurity Degree: The Most Direct Path to Fighting Cybercrime
The #1 degree that will train you in combating cybercrimes is the cybersecurity degree itself. It’s the most immediate path to the future to be an online security expert against cybercriminals. This program hones the skills required to safeguard organizations against shifting online threats.
Major Courses and Skills Provided
A cybersecurity degree will include a range of major topics that allow you to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s cybercrime problems. Some of the major courses are:
- Network Security. How to protect networks from intruders and attacks, putting a virtual wall around a company’s digital assets.
- Cryptography. Becoming an expert in encrypting data is highly crucial to staying secure. You will be learning cryptography algorithms and techniques that make intercepted data confidential.
- Ethical Hacking. A key component of cybersecurity is the hacker mentality to deter cybercriminals. Through this course, you will be trained in penetration testing, or ethical hacking, to detect vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
- Incident Response. Be ready for breaches. Crisis management and recovery from cyber attacks, tracking and fixing vulnerabilities, are all covered in this course.
- Digital Forensic. It’s all about tracing cybercriminals along their cyber trails. You’ll learn to collect and examine evidence for court cases.
Career Opportunities
A cybersecurity degree offers different career options. Here are some popular careers you could consider:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
- Incident Responder
- Security Consultant
Affordable Online Cybersecurity Programs
You can earn a degree in cybersecurity at an affordable price and from home. Many universities offer online classes, some of which have a flexible schedule. Some of the most affordable online degrees in cybersecurity include the following:
- Purdue Global – Online Bachelor in Cybersecurity
- Southern New Hampshire University – Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity
- Champlain College – Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Computer Science Degree: A Broad Foundation for Cybercrime Prevention
The purpose of this interdisciplinary course is to help develop relevant skills needed for cybercrime warfare. You will become acquainted with systems, and this will help you defend systems against cybercriminals.
How Programming, Data Structures, and AI Help In Cybersecurity
Programming, data structures, and the skills that subsume them are cornerstones of cybersecurity. In short, a computer science degree for cybercrime-fighting positions is incredibly valuable. How?
Coding ensures that secure systems can be built and that an understanding of weaknesses exploited by cybercriminals can be developed. On the other hand, standard programming languages are important for generating security tools and performing threat analysis.
Furthermore, knowing about data structuring helps you read algorithms for network security and huge data analysis for finding breaches. A better understanding of the working of data structures increases our speed and efficiency in locating problems.
Knowledge of AI, on the other hand, can help you improve automated threat detection tools. You can design a tool that can efficiently predict attacks from patterns and detect anomalous behavior to prevent intrusion.
Employment Options
A BSCS or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for jobs in many areas of cybersecurity. Some cybersecurity career paths you can pursue using this degree include:
- Security Software Designer
- Malware Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Network Security Engineer
Top Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees
Computer science faculties exist in most colleges and offer inexpensive and flexible online programs. Some of the best options are listed below:
- University of Illinois Springfield – Bachelor in Computer Science
- California State University-Monterey Bay – Computer Science Degree Completion
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville – Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Information Technology Degree: Managing Cybersecurity Systems
Suppose you’re considerably more fascinated by the balancing act of controlling and supervising the systems that protect organizations from the threats of cyberattacks. In that case, the Information Technology degree may be your thing.
Courses Focused on Network Security and System Administration
- Network Security: The focus is on securing the network as well as allowing you to learn the design and implementation. Learn firewall, VPN, IDS, DDoS, and man-in-the-middle defense strategies.
- System Administration: Develop skills in server infrastructure configuration and management while ensuring the relevant data remains secure from unauthorized access.
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Understand a variety of methods to make recovery plans for cyberattacks and system failures while driving business continuity during disasters.
- Cloud Security: With the migration of business to the cloud, learn how to secure cloud infrastructure from exploitation and other vulnerabilities.
Career Opportunities
An IT degree opens the door to several career paths in cybersecurity and system management. Here are some of the top cybersecurity jobs with a degree in Information Technology:
- IT Security Manager
- Network Security Analyst
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Security Engineer
Online IT Degree Options with Strong Cybersecurity Components
If flexibility or cost is a concern, you have plenty of online IT degree programs to choose from. Here are a few online IT degree programs to consider:
- Drexel University – Online BS in Computing and Security Technology
- Western Governors University – Online IT Degree
- Arizona State University – Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in IT
Criminal Justice Degree: Understanding the Legal Side of Cybercrime
If your interest lies in law and computers and how the police fight computer wrongdoings, a criminal justice degree is your key. The criminal justice degree for cybercrime goes deeper into the rules, regulations, and methods of investigation of cybercrime.
A criminal justice/cybercrime investigation degree gives you the lowdown on how laws are applied to online offenses like hacking, identity theft, and online scams. You’ll also pick up on how law enforcement uses digital forensics to collect evidence and track down cybercriminals.
Work Opportunities
With a criminal justice degree, you have options to pursue roles like:
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Law Enforcement Roles specializing in cybercrime units that investigate online criminal activity
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs for Cybersecurity
There are many online programs available. Here are some top options:
- Boston University – MS in Criminal Justice: Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity Concentration
- Liberty University – MS in Criminal Justice: Cybercrime Investigation
- Walden University – Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Cybercrimes
Digital Forensics Degree: Specializing in Cyber Investigations
If you’re keen on delving into cybercrimes and unraveling the digital traces left by wrongdoers, a degree in digital forensics is definitely worth considering. This specialized program dives deep into the essential tools, techniques, and methodologies required to:
- track down cyber criminals
- retrieve lost information
- compile evidence suitable for legal proceedings
Some of the key responsibilities of a digital forensics expert include:
- Data Recovery
- Evidence Preservation
- Cybercrime Investigation
- Reporting and Testifying
Career Paths
A digital forensics degree prepares you for various roles in the world of cybercrime investigations. Some of the key career paths include:
- Forensic Analyst
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Incident Response Specialist
- Digital Forensics Consultant
Affordable Online Digital Forensics Programs
There are several digital forensic and cyber threat analyst degree programs available at your disposal. Here are some of the most renewed ones:
- ECPI University – Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice – Concentration in Digital Forensics
- Stevenson University – Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
- University of Maryland Global Campus – Online Master’s Degree: Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation
We’ve got you pumped up about these degrees, but how do you pay for them? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide to help you snag that degree without breaking the bank.
Financial Aid for Cybersecurity and IT Students
You can apply for federal student aid (hello, FAFSA!), which might help cover a chunk of your tuition. Some schools even offer their own institutional grants—basically free money if you meet the qualifications.
Scholarships Specifically for Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice Majors
There are tons of organizations and companies dedicated to helping future cybersecurity pros, including:
- (ISC)² Cybersecurity Scholarships
- SANS Technology Institute Scholarships
- Cybersecurity & Criminal Justice Scholarships – Many schools and tech companies offer scholarships for cybersecurity students. Think of it as a golden ticket for those who want to protect and prosecute online wrongdoers!
Pro tip: Apply early and often. Scholarships are out there—you just have to look for them!
Tuition-Saving Tips for Online Students
Look for affordable online programs, take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement, and explore state-specific financial aid for online cybersecurity programs. Online degrees already save on commuting costs, allowing these options to reduce tuition expenses further.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Degree for a Cybercrime Career
Consider what job you want to have when deciding which degree to pursue.
- Cybersecurity heavily focuses on putting up defenses around systems, so if that is your goal, consider that discipline.
- Computer science provides a wide array of options and is great for getting a holistic view of technology.
- An IT degree is most appropriate for those who wish to pursue managing systems.
- Earning a degree in criminal justice or digital forensics will benefit those attracted to cybercrime on the defense side.
Next, look for a program that meets your expectations and corresponds with your financial means. Don’t forget to request assistance, scholarships, and grants to pay for your education.